India–UK Free Trade Agreement Talks Enter Final Stage

 

Negotiations between India and the United Kingdom on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have reached their concluding phase, with both nations making substantial progress on key issues. Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent visit to London has further accelerated the discussions.

 

Out of the 26 chapters covered under the FTA framework, 23 have already been finalized. The remaining discussions revolve around four major topics—rules of origin, bilateral investment treaty (BIT), social security coordination (pertaining to contributions by Indian professionals in the UK), and some issues related to financial services and tariffs.

 

On April 29, both sides formally announced the conclusion of talks on several important chapters and expressed commitment to resolving the remaining points soon. Minister Goyal also held bilateral meetings with UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, and other key officials.

 

Officials from both countries have stated that the pace of discussions has significantly picked up, with a focus on technical barriers, digital trade, and dispute settlement mechanisms. If things go as planned, Minister Goyal may return to London soon to finalize the remaining chapters and pave the way for signing the agreement.

 

Once signed, the India–UK FTA is expected to enhance trade flows, ease investment regulations, and benefit multiple sectors including textiles, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. This would mark a major step in India’s global trade strategy.